Rheinmetall to supply additional mobile hospitals to Ukraine
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has signed a contract with the German company Rheinmetall for the supply of eight additional Forward Surgical Team (FST) stations to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army, citing Rheinmetall.
The order is part of a German program aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, initiated by the German Federal Government.
Deliveries of the modern medical systems will begin in 2024 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The package includes eight fully equipped mobile medical stations, outfitted with the most advanced technology, including X-ray containers, operating rooms, and intensive care units.
For transporting each station, Rheinmetall will provide three specialized trucks with trailers. The contract is valued in the mid-double-digit millions of euros.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, emphasized the importance of this contract.
"The medical care facilities from Rheinmetall are highly mobile, very fast operational, and quality-wise on the highest standard. The newly placed order underlines that our first deliveries to Ukraine concerning medical technology have proven their worth. We are happy to play an important part in supporting the Ukrainian Forces also with our medical aid," he said.
In addition to the deliveries, Ukrainian servicemen will undergo a week-long training in Germany on how to operate the new medical stations.
The Forward Surgical Team (FST) stations are designed for immediate medical intervention on the front lines. They enable complex surgical operations and the stabilization of critically injured personnel in the shortest possible time, significantly increasing the chances of saving lives.
Germany's support for Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected the proposal to lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons for strikes on Russian territory and has not supported the initiative to shoot down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine.
However, Germany continues to oppose a ceasefire that could potentially lead to Ukraine's capitulation.